In 2017, GFOA's Executive Board voted to create the Jeffrey L. Esser Career Development Scholarship to advance the public finance careers of individuals employed at least three years by one or more state or local governments. Applicants must be pursuing an Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in public administration, (governmental) accounting, finance, or business administration (with a specific focus on government). Applicants must have been or be employed at least three years by one or more state or local governments. Applicants must submit two letters of recommendation from someone who can speak to their commitment to the public sector. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the Government Finance Officers Association for more information.